Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit two years ago, tech events as we knew it changed drastically, with many being cancelled and later shifting to a fully virtual experience.
Despite being purely digital too, E3 2022 has been cancelled.
Citing a tweet from Razer PR, Will Powers, IGN initially reported that the event had been cancelled. Powers noted the news in an email that organisers, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), sent out to exhibitors confirming the cancellation.
Just got an email… It's official, E3 digital is official cancelled for 2022. Lots of mixed feelings about this…
— Will Powers 🔜 GDC (@WillJPowers) March 31, 2022
While we do not have access to said email, in the late hours of last night, the ESA did release a statement on the matter, also noting that there are plans to being back E3 in its previous guise next year.
“E3 will return in 2023 with a reinvigorated showcase that celebrates new and exciting video games and industry innovations. We previously announced that E3 would not be held in person in 2022 due to the ongoing health risks surrounding COVID-19. Today, we announce that there will also be no digital E3 showcase in 2022,” the statement reads.
“Instead, we will devote all our energy and resources to delivering a revitalized physical and digital E3 experience next summer. Whether enjoyed from the show floor or your favorite devices, the 2023 showcase will bring the community, media, and industry back together in an all-new format and interactive experience. We look forward to presenting E3 to fans around the world live from Los Angeles in 2023,” it added.
What this means for any planned announcements from developers, publishers and gaming hardware companies for E3 2022 remains to be seen, but as we have seen over the past two years, standalone virtual events and press conferences are becoming the norm.
As such, it will likely mean keeping an eye on your favourite developer or studio regarding upcoming projects.
Hopefully though, this does not have a knock on effect for gaming-focused events outside of the US, with the likes of rAge and Comic Con Africa suffering locally as a result of the pandemic already.
